Summary
| Subject keyword(s) | Adaptations, Animals, Antarctica, Arctic, Collecting data, Communicating, Education, Evolution, Geoscience, Interpreting data, Life science, Life Science, Modeling, Science as inquiry, Science process skills, Scientific habits of mind, Social Sciences |
|---|---|
| Grade level | Middle School, Vocational/Professional Development Education |
| Intended audience | Educator |
| Resource type | Instructional Material |
| Resource format | text, text/html |
| Rights | Copyright 2007 Discovery Education |
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Login here About Discovery Education Home> Blue Planet: Frozen Seas Lesson Plan Library Share This Page: Email Facebook Twitter More Blue Planet: Frozen SeasBlue-Planet-Frozen-Seas Subject: | Grade(s): 6-12 | Duration: Two or three class periods Lesson Plan Sections Objectives | Materials | Procedures | Evaluation | Vocabulary | Academic Standards | Credit Objectives Students will research the behavioral and physical adaptations of an animal from the Arctic or Antarctic; and create a poster and make a presentation about the animal. Materials Computer with Internet access Print resources about the Arctic and Antarctic (See procedure #7.) Poster board and construction paper Paint, pens, markers Procedures As a class, review the differences between the Arctic and Antarctic. On the board, create a list of the differences, as in the table below. ARCTIC ANTARCTIC Region near the North Pole Region near the South Pole Ocean (covered with ice) Continent (covered with ice) Cold, dry, windy climate Colder, windier, and drier than the Arctic Ask students to give examples of Arctic and Antarctic animals featured in the video. Add these animals to the list, putting them in the correct geographic location. ARCTIC ANTARCTIC Animals in the video: walrus, bowhead whale, beluga whale, polar bear, harp seal, hooded seal, ringed seal, arctic cod, beluga whale, narwhal, copepods, walrus, soft-shell clam Animals in the video: seal, emperor penguin, chinstrap penguin, minke whale, humpback whale, fur seal, leopard seal, Weddell seal, krill Discuss conditions of the polar habitats that make survival difficult. Examples: extreme cold prey often scarce fierce predators ice cover for much of the year darkness during much of year Explain to students that they will research one animal from the Arctic or Antarctic. Their research should focus on behavioral or physical adaptations that help the animal survive in its extreme climate. Before students get started, define, review, and give examples of the following terms with them. adaptation: A trait or modification that helps a plant or animal fit in and survive in its environment. Example: Giraffes have long necks to reach the leaves in the tall trees on the savanna. behavioral adaptation: The particular behavior of an animal-such as the way it feeds, mates, breeds, or migrates-that helps it survive in the unique conditions of its environment. Example: Birds fly south in the winter because they can find more food. physical adaptation: A characteristic or modification in an animal's body that helps it survive in its habitat. Example: A male peacock's bright feathers help it attract a mate. Tell students they will work in pairs. Each pair will choose one Arctic or Antarctic animal, either from the video or from their research. After finishing their research, each pair will create a large diagram of their animal on poster board and give a brief presentation to the class. Students should include the information below. Name of animal Size (length or height and weight; give a range) Habitat and Distribution Diet or prey Main predators Physical adaptations (Explain how each helps the animal survive.) Behavioral adaptations (Explain how each helps the animal survive.) Have students use print and Internet resources in their research. These Web sites may be helpful: Sea World: Arctic Adaptations (polar bears, walruses, beluga whales, seals) http://www.seaworld.org/arctic/adapt.html Arctic Wildlife Portfolio http://www.mnh.si.edu/arctic/html/wildlife.html Sea World: Polar Bears http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/info-books/polar-bear/index.htm Sea World: Penguins http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/info-books/penguin/index.htm Antarctica: Journey to the Frozen Continent http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0215022/animals.htm Antarctic Life Forms http://www.globalclassroom.org/antarct6.html Enchanted Learning: Arctic Animals http://www.EnchantedLearning.com/coloring/arcticanimals.shtml Enchanted Learning: Antarctic Animals http://www.EnchantedLearning.com/school/Antarctica/Animalprintouts.shtml The students should create large, colorful diagrams of their animals on poster board that label the animal's physical adaptations and include brief explanations of how each adaptation helps the animal survive. Somewhere on the diagram, students must list and briefly describe the animal's behavioral adaptations. Have pairs present their posters to the class, sharing as much information as possible in a five-minute period. Display the posters in one area of the classroom. Have the class decide on a title for this exhibit. Back to Top Evaluation Use the following three-point rubric to evaluate students' work during this lesson. Three points: Students were highly engaged in class discussions; created a clear, detailed poster of their animal with plentiful information on both physical and behavioral adaptations; and actively contributed to the presentation to the class. Two points: Students participated somewhat in class discussions; created a mostly accurate poster of their animal that included information on some physical and behavioral adaptations; and contributed somewhat the presentation to the class. One point: Students participated minimally in class discussions; created a poster that included information on few, if any, adaptations; and did not work cooperatively in or contribute adequately to the presentation to the class. Back to Top Vocabulary adaptation Definition: A trait or modification that helps a plant or animal survive in its environment Context: Camels have many adaptations for life in the desert, including long eyelashes that protect their eyes from blowing sand. behavioral adaptation Definition: The particular behavior of an animal-such as the way it feeds, mates, breeds, or migrates-that helps it survive in the unique conditions of its environment Context: Hibernation is a behavioral adaptation that helps some animals survive the winter, when food supplies are low. blubber Definition: A thick layer of fat on the bodies of large sea mammals that insulates them from cold and stores energy Context: Whales, walruses, seals, and other arctic marine animals have a layer of blubber. camouflage Definition: Special coloring or marks that help an animal blend into its habitat, disguising it from predators or prey Context: Its spotted coat is the cheetah's camouflage as it stalks prey on the African savanna. migration Definition: The movement of animals from one region or climate to another for breeding or in search of food or shelter Context: Most migrations occur on an annual basis according to the changing seasons. physical adaptation Definition: A characteristic or modification in an animal's body that helps it survive in its habitat Context: Sharks have sharp teeth, a physical adaptation that makes them fierce predators. Back to Top Standards This lesson plan addresses the following standards from the National Science Education Standards: Structure and function in living systems Regulation and behavior Populations and ecosystems Diversity and adaptations of organisms Back to Top Credits Joy Brewster, freelance curriculum writer, editor, and consultant Back to Top Sponsored Links Teacher Spotlight 6-8 Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge Now open: the nation's premier sustainability challenge. At stake: More than $250K in prizes. Register today. Click Here Win a $40,000 Wireless Lab Enter daily through May 3 to increase your chance of winning. Click Here Curiosity in the Classroom Satisfy your students' curiosity with lesson plans, quizzes and inspirational profiles of modern day visionaries. 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